There's still time to apply! Accepting applications for Fall 2026 with scholarship support available. Apply now!
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There's still time to apply! Accepting applications for Fall 2026 with scholarship support available. Apply now!
Climate change and environmental threats are reshaping our world, with profound consequences for economic well-being, migration, health, conflict, and environmental justice. This program’s human-focused approach emphasizes understanding the causes and effects of climate change and developing strategies to limit the impacts.
You’ll explore diverse economic, political, and sociological perspectives to address these urgent challenges. And our location in Colorado puts you at the center of practical discussions on the role of government, the private sector, and civil society.
Whether you’re aiming to make policy on scales from local to global, drive corporate social responsibility, or lead advocacy organizations, you’ll be equipped to promote just and equitable sustainability initiatives.
Shape tomorrow from a vibrant academic community full of opportunities — in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Career Outcomes
Flexible Curriculum
STEM-Optional Practical Training
Experiential Learning
Denver Lifestyle
Military & Veteran Pathways
97% of Korbel graduates are employed, continuing their education, or volunteering/engaging in service within 12 months of graduation.
Korbel Graduate Employment Data
You’ll find them working in government, think tanks and do tanks, national and international development, and relief organizations. They become sustainability specialists and analysts, legislative policy aides, program analysts, and compliance specialists.
Arrive with a plan, or let your curiosity guide you. Our flexible programs give you the freedom to explore new fields, change directions as your interests evolve, or hone in on a specialized track.
Start with 16 credits of required coursework, designed to ground you in your discipline.
Core courses
Skills courses
Use your remaining 32 credits to customize your specialization, pursue a certificate, or take courses abroad based on your interests and goals.
Certificates
Download our degree information sheet below for a comprehensive look at the full program requirements.
International Students who apply to the Master of Arts in Global Environmental Sustainability program and choose the Applied Environmental Analysis (AEA) concentration may be eligible to apply for the STEM OPT extension following graduation. Eligibility depends on individual course selection and federal policy at the time of application.
Students must formally declare the AEA concentration within their first quarter of enrollment with the Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
STEM OPT eligibility is not guaranteed. Students select their concentration after enrollment, and their final eligibility is based on federal guidelines in effect at the time of application. Students should declare their concentration in their first quarter of enrollment. They do this through the Korbel Office of Academic and Student Affairs.
Hands-on experience is essential to your success. You’ll find an abundance of opportunities to develop your professional skills and explore career paths.
Build experience across city, state, and national government agencies, international organizations, global NGOs, and the private sector. With guidance from our career coaches, you’ll land positions that align with your skills and interests.
Join one of our simulations for a taste of on-the-ground realities in an interactive environment. From negotiating international conflicts to managing humanitarian crises, these engaging scenarios are a highlight for Korbel students.
Korbel students have the opportunity to study in vibrant cities like Rio de Janeiro, Geneva, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. These experiences offer rich firsthand experience and insights, all at no additional tuition cost.
At Korbel, research directly contributes to real-world impact. Many students engage in applied research at our Pardee Institute for International Futures, serving clients like the US government, the United Nations, and the Africa Union.
Balance your graduate work with an active outdoor lifestyle in the Mile-High City. Take advantage of a vibrant art, music, and food scene — while enjoying Colorado’s 300 days of sunshine each year.
ADP, 2024
WalletHub, December 2024
Rolling Stone, April 2023
WalletHub, April 2024
Korbel proudly supports service members on their path to a master's degree with scholarships, flexible pathways, and a mission-aligned community in one of the nation's most military-connected cities.
One of the most unique aspects of the Global Environmental Sustainability program that drew me to Korbel is the well-rounded education and set of skills the degree offers. To efficiently advance sustainability, we must be able to understand and analyze its relationships with development, human rights, security, the economy, public policy, and more – the Korbel school provides all of these lenses.
GES welcomes applicants from all backgrounds, particularly environmental studies, international affairs, public policy, geography, political science, natural sciences, and related fields. Applicants without prior environmental coursework may strengthen their application through relevant professional experience or a strong statement of purpose demonstrating clear interest in sustainability.
The program integrates environmental policy, climate governance, sustainability planning, and global development. Students gain analytical skills to evaluate environmental challenges, design policy solutions, and assess the political, economic, and social dimensions of global sustainability.
GES focuses on policy and governance, not purely natural science. Students examine how institutions, governments, and global systems shape environmental outcomes. Coursework is applied and interdisciplinary, emphasizing real-world policy, climate diplomacy, and sustainability leadership.
Graduates commonly work in climate policy, environmental NGOs, multilateral organizations, corporate sustainability, environmental consulting, energy and climate research, and government agencies. Many pursue roles in program management, policy analysis, environmental compliance, or sustainability strategy.
No specific technical background is required. Students are required to take statistics and can elect courses in GIS modeling, environmental economics, geospatial data, and more, depending on their interests. View GES courses here.
Students can choose to complete an optional thesis or substantial research paper. Faculty advisors guide students in selecting the best option based on career goals.
Yes. Internships offer valuable professional exposure in climate policy, environmental nonprofits, renewable energy companies, local government, or international organizations. Many students secure internships through Korbel’s career office or through faculty networks.
GES is one of the few programs that combines environmental policy + global governance + sustainability practice. Students can customize their path across energy policy, climate negotiations, conservation, environmental justice, or green development. The program draws on faculty expertise across public policy, economics, and environmental systems.
Yes. Students often take electives in geography, environmental engineering, business sustainability, or law. Cross-disciplinary study is strongly supported.
Tailor your program to pursue a certificate in any of the following:
Korbel offers international field courses, research opportunities with sustainability-focused institutes, and the Korbel in DC program for students interested in federal climate policy or international environmental institutions.
Yes. International applicants are encouraged to apply and receive assistance with CPT/OPT, job search support, and guidance navigating environmental policy careers in U.S. and global markets.
Lahra Ahearn
Graduate Enrollment Manager
Use this form to reach out to me directly! You can also find me at any one of our admissions events or on the road.
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